Bonnie gives her friends pets and cuddles and can share virtual toys such as an Idog, a barkberry, Chewnel No 5 perfume and Grrrona beer.

"It's a bit of fun," Bodger said. "Animals are in your life for enjoyment and Dogbook is an extension of that. It's a way to share information and connect with like-minded people who are passionate about their pets.

"There was a time a dog stayed outside. Then, the dog came into the lounge. Now they often sleep on the bed.

"They really are part of the family now and a bigger part of life than they've ever been."

Jodie Thorne joked her dog Fletcher - who sports six photos - was the "cool dude of the family and the social queen of the family".

"She deserves to have a Dogbook page," she said.

Davey Van Gooswilligen, said his tabby cat Ruby, regularly appeared on his own Facebook page. "I'll update my status, then update hers. It's kind of expected."